Occupants claim eviction would infringe human rights

SQUATTERS at a council block that has been empty for 10 years are planning a court battle to stop Town Hall bailiffs turning them onto the streets – because they say that would infringe their human rights.
The 25-strong group of squatters who live in Holly Lodge Mansions in Highgate’s exclusive Holly Lodge Estate have enlisted the help of a barrister to fight their cause.
She plans to file papers at the High Court asking for a judicial review of their case.
Squatter Emma McGuire, 32, who has legal training and works for human rights watchdog Liberty, is seeking leave from the High Court to question the legality of Camden Council attempts to seize possession of the block.
Ms McGuire, who has worked at leading Lincoln’s Inn chambers, said: “Camden Council issued an eviction notice this week. We plan to fight this by asking for a judicial review.
“The eviction would break the law, because it is their human right to have a decent home, as laid out in article eight of the 1998 Human Rights Act.”
Although the squatters are determined to exhaust all domestic and European legal avenues, they admit this will not change the law in time to keep them in their homes. But Ms McGuire said she hoped the case would highlight the inadequacy of council housing policies. She added: “It’s a democratic right to have a home and this place has been empty for so long it’s a scandal.
“The council has spent a fortune getting a series of squatters out, without making any attempt to fix it up.”
Squatters from the block were first taken to court in 2001 and evicted soon afterwards. But instead of builders moving in to renovate the flats, the block was left empty and was not properly secured. Vandals broke in and smashed the bathrooms.
The squatters say they will be happy to leave when the council gives a firm date for builders to move in and make the homes ready for families on the waiting list.
While it lies empty, they want to be allowed to stay and make sure it does not become derelict.
Ms McGuire added: “If the council wished, it could set a precedent. Camden is one of the worst ones for filling empty properties. They can grant us licence to live there and maintain the building until they are ready to start work in November.”
Because of council concern over insurance liability, the squatters’ request to be allowed to stay has fallen on deaf ears. Ms McGuire, who has stayed at the block, added: “The community has been welcoming. It’s a crime that it should have been allowed to be empty for so long.”
A council press official said : “We are committed to maximising the amount of decent accommodation we have for those in priority need.
“We have more than 15,000 families waiting for homes in Camden and will take action against those who illegally occupy our property. Clearly, these squatters have cost Camden Council a considerable amount of money.”